WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – A little over a year after being diagnosed with ALS, the Kopka family is adjusting to their newly remodeled home and Keith's evolving mobility.
ALS is a degenerative disease of the nervous system. Within a year, Keith had lost most mobility in his lower extremities but was still able to walk. Six months ago he was using a walker. Today, he is limited to a wheelchair, only able to walk a walk a few feet.
When we last met up with the Kopka's, their home was a construction project as volunteer crews remodeled the home to accommodate his needs.
Tuesday, WECT headed back to see the finished project.
Most of the effort came from community donations and volunteer contractor services.
Doors throughout the home have been widened by three inches. It's a small distance that allows Keith to navigate his chair without trouble.
The bathroom was completely rebuilt. His wife has her own vanity area while Keith's sink provides enough open room to pull his chair underneath.
The shower doesn't have a ledge so he can easily pull his chair in and out. A detachable shower head makes the everyday chore just that much easier.
Keith joked that his only gripes were the missing shower curtain…and he still not having a bedside fridge!
Instead of having one access to the house, Keith now has three by ramp. The garage was cleaned out into what is now affectionately called, "The Man Cave." It houses a ramp to his truck and a future flat screen TV.
His truck has been outfitted with a lift that will carry his wheelchair anywhere he wants to go. He's still able to drive thanks to a steering knob and a break lever that allows his hands to do the work that his legs can no longer handle.
"I hope for a cure," said Keith. "I don't want to end up a muscle-less slob, I don't want anyone to take care of me. I want to be self-sufficient."
Specially made doormats have been a major aid in that effort. That one or two-inch ledge can be a major obstacle for a wheelchair. The mats provide an adjustable ramp to almost any door.
Friday, July 15 at 128 South, there is a benefit for "Walk to Defeat ALS." Wilmington bachelors like WECT's Craig Reck will be auctioned off to raise money for a cure.
Cocktail hour starts at 7 p.m., the auction at 8 p.m. There will be door prizes, raffles and a silent auction.
Cash bar, credit cards or check will be accepted for winning bids.
For tickets and information visit www.WilmingtonBachelorAuction.com or email WilmingtonBachelorAuction@gmail.com.
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